Music Terminology Explained

Promo

A promo is a promotional tool used by TV channels or film studios to generate interest in shows or films. For example, a network might create a trailer for a popular series like Game of Thrones to draw viewers in.

• Purpose: Tease upcoming episodes or films.
• Music: Promos often incorporate various pieces of music to enhance appeal. Trailer houses, companies that produce these trailers, vary in quality and resources, with successful ones investing significant time in crafting a compelling promo.

Music in Trailers

• Composers may spend considerable time creating short pieces (30 seconds to 2 minutes) specifically for trailers.
• Multiple music tracks can be mixed in a single trailer, combining different sounds or themes to create an exciting auditory experience.

Components of Trailers

• Trailers frequently use rapid cuts and edits, especially in high-energy genres like thrillers or action films, showcasing various scenes backed by diverse musical elements.
• Tips for Aspiring Composers:
  • Watch and Listen: Analyze the music in trailers to identify different components.
  • Showreel Diversity: Include various sync pieces, such as background scores and promos.
  • Three-Part Structure: Consider a trailer as a mini orchestration, typically featuring:
    • Introduction: Starts quietly.
    • Build: Gradually intensifies.
    • Crescendo & Drop: Concludes dramatically, leaving viewers eager for more.

Ident

An ident (or identifier) refers to the short piece of music and visuals that represent a TV channel.

• Purpose: Create brand recognition.
• Seasonal Themes: Channels often modify idents with the seasons, aligning them with specific events like motorsports or tennis.

Beds

Beds are underlying music pieces used to set the mood in a TV show or film.

• Types: They vary in prominence, from subtle background scores to more noticeable accompaniments.
• Mood Setting: Even a repetitive or minimalist line from a single instrument, like a cello, can evoke emotions, enhancing the visual experience.

The Power of Silence

Sometimes, leaving out music entirely can be more impactful.

• Tension Beds: A single note from a violin, for example, can build tension without overwhelming the scene.

Edits

Edits refer to different versions of the same piece of music created for various uses, often outlined in contracts with publishers.

• Examples:
  • Instrumental tracks.
  • Vocal versions with different edits (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute).

Showreel Advice

For a showreel, brevity is key.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight the most impactful segments of your work rather than showcasing an entire track with a lengthy introduction.
• Recommended Length: 10 to 20 seconds per clip is ideal to maintain viewer engagement and showcase variety.

By understanding these terms, aspiring composers can effectively navigate the intricacies of creating and promoting music for visual media.